Only fools ignore the lessons of the past. Major floods from heavy rains such as the 1949 event created great damage to Bendigo residents, business and agriculture.

A special inquiry was held by the state government in 1935 into the flooding problems caused by the creek due to heavy rainfall.

A city engineer recently reminded us with the following statement: “Unpredictable heavy rains are an ongoing challenge to Bendigo as climate change makes sudden heavy rainfall events increasingly common in summer months.”

The North Central Catchment Management Authority published a study that took three years to complete into building flood-resilient Bendigo, which identified 5,700 properties in City of Greater Bendigo area at risk of flooding. Insurance companies took the opportunity to raise flood insurance on residents and business along the creek.

One should read the headlines of the Bendigo Advertiser on November 12, 1949: “Raging torrents in Bendigo Streets”, proving this is creek was constructed for a purpose, not a drain.

Council and the state government authority have a responsibility to maintain and repair damage to the creek infrastructure.

The section between Laurel and Booth streets, Golden Square, where the timber sleepers have been removed, which has left bare earth, is a receipt for disaster for erosion and financial loss, simply neglect.

What is the responsibility of the state Water Minister and North Central Catchment Management Authority in this disrepair and proposal to rip up the bluestones of our creek? Is this just another failure of a regulatory body who is supposed to be there for our interests, and not just special interests?

I am reminded of Napoleon Bonaparte’s quote: “There are two levers which act upon men (people), fear and self-interest.”

Bendigonians have seen too many events of flooding caused by blocked drains, yet our council can claim there are too many demands for works than what is available for council. They make assessments of the frequency and likelihood of storm damage when prioritising projects, but have plenty of finance for certain other special interests which are not a solution.

This is a problem just waiting to cause loss to council.

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Interestingly, the article on supported residential services beds and state funding ("No capacity for state to fund new supported residential services", Bendigo Advertiser, February 17) neglects to mention that funding for disability accommodation has transitioned to the National Disability Insurance Scheme.

In theory this means that all people with a disability, including mental illness, have access to personalised funding. In fighting for the NDIS, a strong message was personalisation, people didn't want institutions and group homes.

Are we really that keen to lump 70 people together in an SRS and call that a home? Whose problem are we solving?

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